Iris Yas Island

A classy bar full of stylish people, hot tunes and sophisticated bar snacks

October 22, 2018 4:53 PM

Whatever kind of night out you fancy, Yas Island is always able to offer the solution.

Yes, it’s not all about boats, extremely fast cars and rollercoasters in this adrenaline-filled part of Abu Dhabi.

If you want to go somewere that doesn’t require changing out of your jeans and old university hoodie, head to Stars ’N’ Bars. If you want to dine on Italian food and have a sophisticated evening listening to a live saxophonist, then it’s all about Filini Garden.

However, if you want an excuse to get dressed up in your poshest outfit, Iris is perfect. An evening here lets you experience all the fun of a wild night out, but in a classy venue, surrounded by the capital’s most good-looking and eligible crowd.

This swanky spot is far more happening than your average lounge bar, but prettier and less intense than a big club like MAD.

People will tell you that it’s at its best on a Sunday evening, when the cheesiest (and greatest) hits from the ’80s and ’90s are played long into the night.

But the Wednesday ladies’ night also draws a crowd, and despite being assured that it doesn’t really get busy until after midnight, the place is packed by the time we enter at 10.30pm.

Ladies get three free drinks after 9pm and the bar area is rammed with people chatting and mingling. Even the spaces between the tables are filled with people starting to dance.

The outdoor area is a sensation. With views of the marina, it’s another one of those countless Abu Dhabi scenes that is made for Instagram.

We also love how the walls on the way to the WCs are designed to help you take some jokeytoilet mirror-style selfies. It’s really all very helpful.

Want a photo that makes it looks like you have a handlebar moustache or a huge afro? Obviously you do.

The bar menu is full of extravagant mixed drinks. Our favourite is the pineapple elxyr, which is as fancy as it sounds.

Served in a flashy gold pineapple, it’s brilliantly unsubtle.

We’re feeling peckish so we try the shrimp tempura. We can’t be certain whether it’s the sweet chilli mayo or the delicate batter, but we’ve never had such a sensational bar snack in our lives. That’s in no way an exaggeration.

The tunes are brilliant, everyone around us is friendly and having a good time, and it’s really very hard to call it a night and head home.